Chapter 1216: Chapter 858: Divine Authority Bestowed by Monarch
Winterfell is the center of the North on the Westeros continent, relying on the southern Neckâs natural barrier, a place that even the Andals couldnât conquer in their invasion.
It has become a territory mainly inhabited by the descendants of the First Men.
The Stark family are the lords of Winterfell, also known as the Kings of the North. Eight thousand years ago, it was their ancestors who built the Desolation Wall.
Thus, they hold a high prestige among the descendants of the First Men.
Even when the âMad Kingâ was overthrown, Ed Stark had the chance to ascend the Iron Throne, but he yielded it to his friend Robert.
Ed Stark can be said to perfectly embody almost all positive qualities of a noble, even to the point of being somewhat pedantic. Nevertheless, this gives him high prestige across Westeros, and makes him very trustworthy.
However, recently, the whole North has been somewhat uneasy, with the Night Watcher frequently asking for aid, Ed Stark senses a looming stormâŠ
âThe Wildlings are moving south in large numbers, appearing very restless, even at some priceâŠâ
Ed Stark listened to the report of his brother, Benjen Stark, who became a Night Watcher, and his brows knit tightly.
The Stark family, as the Kings of the North, have someone in each generation who voluntarily becomes a Night Watcher, and Benjen Stark is Edâs generationâs representative.
Winterfell is directly connected to the Desolation Wall by Kingdom Avenue, essentially established as a support point for the Desolation Wall.
But for thousands of years, the White Walkers have vanished without a trace, and the Desolation Wall hasnât had the three horn calls.
Instead, the Wildlings, also descendants of the First Men who stayed unexpectedly north of the Wall long ago, have become the Night Watchersâ main enemies.
Generations of accumulation have left countless blood feuds.
Even in the Wildlingsâ most frenzied times, they rarely attacked the Desolation Wall directly.
These ones lacking military strategy, though individually brave, are overall constantly suppressed.
âI think thereâs a high possibility of White Walkers appearing in the North. Since the last earthquake, weâve often seen some radiance and thunder coming from the north of the Wall, suggesting some unknown changes are happening.â
Benjen Stark sighed.
Due to a Night Watcherâs betrayal, a âKing Beyond the Wallâ has emerged among the Wildlings, uniting the once scattered tribes.
The threat has significantly increased!
But if itâs just the Wildlings, theyâre not much to worry about. The key is that behind the Wildlingsâ southward movement, thereâs seemingly a shadow of the White WalkersâŠ
âThe White Walkers havenât appeared for thousands of years, but the recent earthquake is likely not a good omenâŠâ
Because of the distant past of the White Walkers, Ed Stark wasnât wary enough of their existence either.
Yet, the North had a massive earthquake before, even causing cracks on the Desolation Wall.
Luckily, the Desolation Wall is made of ice, making repairs simple.
With such abnormal signs, Ed is quite receptive to the impending appearance of the White Walkers.
Given that even the seasons in this world are uncertain, with the Long Night in the past lasting for a generation, and snow engulfing mountainsâŠ
âI will write to the King requesting support. Before the Kingdomâs backup arrives, I will personally lead the vassals northward. Hopefully⊠itâs just us worrying unnecessarilyâŠâ
Ed never shuns his responsibilities and quickly made a decision.
Even if the White Walkers donât appear, the gathering Wildlings canât be ignored.
âYour decision is wise, I too hope such a scenario wonât arise.â
Just at this moment, Edâs wife, Catelyn, the Minister of Finance Littlefingerâs longed-for Bai Yueguang, quickly approached.
âIâm sorry to interrupt your brotherly chat, but Iâve just received news via raven, that Jon Alyn, Hand of the King, suddenly passed away due to illnessâŠâ
Catelynâs words froze the both brothers; Edâs face showed sadness.
Jon was like a foster father to him, and he, along with King Robert, held Jon in high regard.
Unexpectedly, they heard such dreadful news.
However, knowing death is inevitable, Ed, as a lord, quickly calmed down, sighing slowly.
âNow Robert is on his way to Winterfell, wishing to invite you to be the new Hand of the King.â
When Catelyn said this, she glanced at Benjen Stark beside her, who then wisely excused himself.
Having joined the Nightâs Watch means severing ties with mundane affairs and remaining neutral.
His return this time was just to report the current situation to the Lord of the North.
Once Benjen Stark left, Catelyn gravely said,
âIâve also received a warning from my sister, Jon Alyn was likely poisoned by the Lannister Family.â
Catelynâs words cast a heavy look on Ed Starkâs face.
âPoisonedâŠ, Lannister FamilyâŠâ
Honest Ed held no fondness for the Lannister Family. Even Jamie Lannisterâs assassination of the Mad King from behind seemed immoral in his eyes.
Since Jamie was serving as the Royal Forest Iron Guard, loyal to the Mad King at that time.
Now hearing rumors of the Lannisters poisoning Jon deeply unsettles him.
Originally set on leading the vassals northward to aid the Desolation Wall, but now with King Robert approaching, heâs worried for this friend and the king he serves as well.
Source: Webnovel.com, updated by novlove.com
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